Assessing the Role of Cannabis Use on Cortical Surface Structure in Adolescents and Young Adults: Exploring Gender and Aerobic Fitness as Potential Moderators.

Ryan M Sullivan,Natasha E Wade,Alexander L Wallace,Ann M Swartz,Krista M Lisdahl

doi:10.3390/brainsci10020117

Ryan M Sullivan, Natasha E Wade + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10020117

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Abstract

Cannabis use in adolescents and young adults is linked with aberrant brain structure, although findings to date are inconsistent. We examined whether aerobic fitness moderated the effects of cannabis on cortical surface structure and whether gender may play a moderating role. Seventy-four adolescents and young adults completed three-weeks of monitored abstinence, aerobic fitness testing, and structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI). Whole-sample linear regressions examined the effects of gender, VO2 max, cannabis use, and their interactions on the surface area (SA) and local gyrification index (LGI). Cannabis use was associated with greater cuneus SA. Gender-by-cannabis predicted precuneus and frontal SA, and precentral, supramarginal, and frontal LGI; female cannabis users demonstrated greater LGI, whereas male cannabis users demonstrated decreased LGI compared to non-users. Aerobic fitness was positively associated with various SA and LGI regions. Cannabis-by-aerobic fitness predicted cuneus SA and occipital LGI. These findings demonstrate that aerobic fitness moderates the impact of cannabis on cortical surface structure, and gender differences are evident. These moderating factors may help explain inconsistencies in the literature and warrant further investigation. Present findings and aerobic fitness literature jointly suggest aerobic intervention may be a low-cost avenue for improving cortical surface structure, although the impact may be gender-specific.

Highlights

Cannabis is the most used “illicit” substance worldwide with estimated lifetime prevalence rate of16.9%, with the highest rates in the United States and New Zealand [1]
The aim of the present study is to look at both aerobic fitness and gender as potentially moderating the relationship between regular cannabis use and cortical surface structure indices, local gyrification index (LGI) and surface area (SA), in adolescents and young adults following three weeks of monitored cannabis abstinence
There were no significant differences between cannabis user and non-user groups in age

Summary

Introduction

Cannabis is the most used “illicit” substance worldwide with estimated lifetime prevalence rate of. 16.9%, with the highest rates in the United States and New Zealand [1]. Cannabis is the second most commonly used substance within adolescents and young adults [2]. 29.7% of adolescents (Grades 8, 10, and 12) [3] and 52% of young adults (aged 18–25) [4]. Have used cannabis within their lifetime; and, these prevalence rates can vary by state policies [5]. Heavy and chronic cannabis use is associated with adverse psychopathological [6], neurocognitive, and aberrant brain morphology outcomes [7]. Distinct structural changes are less understood [8]. Further research is necessary to elucidate potential moderators of cannabis effects that may explain individual differences

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